Cover Alibaba’s chairman Joseph Tsai spoke at the Beyond Expo 2025, which was held from 21 to 24 May in Macau (Photo: Beyond Expo)
Alibaba’s chairman Joseph Tsai spoke at the Beyond Expo 2025, which was held from 21 to 24 May in Macau (Photo: Beyond Expo)
1 / 1
At Beyond Expo 2025, leading voices in Asian tech—from AI and Web 3 to space—offered insights into where innovation is headed next
From humanoid robots to computing in space, nearly 300 speakers—including Alibaba Group chairperson Joseph Tsai and Chinese internet pioneer Mike Cai—shared bold ideas and visions for the future at Beyond Expo 2025, a convention celebrating Asian innovation which concluded this Saturday.
In celebration of its fifth anniversary, the event attracted 1,200 exhibitors and over 30,000 attendees at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Expo. It featured a comprehensive programme, ranging from panel discussions to tech showcases and business meetups.
Here, we round up five takeaways from some of the event’s most distinguished guests on the possibilities of emerging technologies like AI and Web3, and what it takes to build global companies through an Asian lens.
Read more: From AI earphones to Braille tech: 7 innovations from Beyond Expo 2025 transforming daily life
Asian firms can look for growth beyond US
Above Jason Ho, co-founder of Beyond Expo, interviewed Tsai on stage during the closing ceremony last Saturday (Photo: Beyond Expo)
Jason Ho, co-founder of Beyond Expo, interviewed Tsai on stage during the closing ceremony last Saturday (Photo: Beyond Expo)
1 / 1
Joseph Tsai, chairman of Alibaba Group, pointed to Europe as a promising destination for Asian companies seeking expansion. With its rich cultural heritage and nuanced understanding of complexity, he believes Europe may, in some areas, relate more closely to Asia than the US does.
Amid shifting trade dynamics and rising geopolitical tensions—particularly between the US and China—Tsai described the tariff environment as a “new paradigm” that businesses are still learning to navigate. He urged companies not to remain passive but to proactively engage with policymakers to explain how evolving policies affect them.
He also believes AI could help overcome the language barriers that challenge Chinese firms entering new markets.
Read more: Joseph Tsai, the billionaire co-founder of Alibaba, on his new role as a sports investor
The power of computing in space
Above Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Cloud, spoke about computing in space at the opening ceremony of the Beyond Expo 2025 (Photo: Beyond Expo)
Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Cloud, spoke about computing in space at the opening ceremony of the Beyond Expo 2025 (Photo: Beyond Expo)
1 / 1
Computing, encompassing the capabilities we often associate with AI, is becoming “a travelling companion” for humans in space, says Wang Jian, founder of Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group.
At its core, computing involves using machines to perform calculations, process information and make decisions. Wang believes these systems will support deeper space exploration, making missions safer, smarter and more efficient.
He pointed to the endless possibilities this could unlock—from analysing vast Earth observation data streams to coordinating autonomous satellite fleets. Realising this vision, he emphasised, will require open collaboration across borders, disciplines and infrastructures in the new space era.
Why humanoid robots aren’t ready for prime time
Above Lu Gang, co-founder of Beyond Expo, moderated a panel discussion on AI and robotics, featuring Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile and Chiu Chau, co-founder of Opentrons (Photo: Beyond Expo)
Lu Gang, co-founder of Beyond Expo, moderated a panel discussion on AI and robotics, featuring Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile and Chiu Chau, co-founder of Opentrons (Photo: Beyond Expo)
1 / 1
“To me, it’s a bubble,” said Fu Sheng, CEO of Cheetah Mobile, a Chinese tech company listed in New York, referring to the hype surrounding humanoid robots driven by inflated market expectations and the influence of high-profile figures like Tesla co-founder Elon Musk.
Chiu Chau, co-founder of Opentrons, a US-based open-source lab automation firm valued at over US$1 billion, questioned whether mimicking the human form is the right approach. In his view, robot design should prioritise function over form.
Although the demonstrations of these robots may be impressive, they noted that the underlying technologies may still be too immature for everyday applications, especially in terms of cost, safety and reliability.
Instead of chasing science fiction dreams, they recommended that startups focus on addressing specific problems, where task-oriented robots can provide straightforward real-world value.
Read more: From Nvidia’s droid to agile humanoids: Meet the next-gen robots shaping the future
The convergence of AI and Web3 could unlock huge potential
Above Mike Cai, co-founder of the Chinese photo app Meitu, shared his thoughts on why he believes that the convergence of AI and the Web could unlock huge potential (Photo: Beyond Expo)
Mike Cai, co-founder of the Chinese photo app Meitu, shared his thoughts on why he believes that the convergence of AI and the Web could unlock huge potential (Photo: Beyond Expo)
1 / 1
“You could now build a unicorn by yourself,” said Cai, co-founder of Chinese photo app Meitu, quoting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. This opportunity, he believed, stems from the combined power of AI and Web3, which aren’t just emerging technologies but transformational forces—reshaping how we create, connect and build.
One of the most compelling possibilities is the rise of new economic models centred around data. He envisioned an era where information becomes a primary asset—collected, owned, exchanged and analysed in entirely new ways.
In this future, AI will serve as the engine that extracts value from data, while Web3 will provide the infrastructure for ownership and transparent exchange. Borders may matter less than access, insight and interoperability, creating a digital economy where individuals and small teams can compete globally.
Read more: Move over, Duolingo: these experimental AI tools from Google will change the way we learn languages
The art of going global
Above A panel consisting of Jason Ho, Liu Jingkang, founder of Insta360; Carl Pei, co-founder and CEO of Nothing; Burt Guo, CEO and chief scientist of Sichuan Aerofugia Technology Development Co Ltd and Chen Zhaopeng, founder of Agile Robots SE (Photo: Beyond Expo)
A panel consisting of Jason Ho, Liu Jingkang, founder of Insta360; Carl Pei, co-founder and CEO of Nothing; Burt Guo, CEO and chief scientist of Sichuan Aerofugia Technology Development Co Ltd and Chen Zhaopeng, founder of Agile Robots SE (Photo: Beyond Expo)
1 / 1
The success of going global demands a deep grasp of local market dynamics—from consumer behaviour and regulations to talent and culture. For many founders, balancing global ambition with local execution or glocalisation is crucial.
Carl Pei, founder of consumer electronics brand Nothing, described India as both a challenge and a training ground. “India is a country where consumer spending power is not very strong but pay great attention to STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). They are very knowledgeable about parameters and cost-effectiveness.”
Due to varying policies among markets, the hurdles in highly regulated industries like aviation become steeper. Different sectors also face distinct frictions when expanding. For example, Chen Zhaopeng, the CEO of Agile Robots SE, pointed to Europe’s automation gap, the US’s shortage of hardware engineers and China’s hyper-competitive, cost-pressured environment.
Meet more Gen.T Leaders of Tomorrow from the Technology sector.
NOW READ
How this ex-rock vocalist created an AI to turn you into art
New AI threatened to expose engineer’s extramarital affair to avoid being replaced
Meme coins: serious talk about this cryptocurrency that’s built on internet jokes
Topics
Based in Hong Kong, editor Yoyo Chow covers the people and ideas redefining Asia’s future—from cutting-edge innovation and AI to bold moves in sustainability and diversity. She also drives content for Tatler Gen.T in Hong Kong, a platform and community spotlighting the region’s next generation of startup founders, creatives and changemakers.
Before that, she was a video journalist producing content for international TV and digital platforms, including Reuters and South China Morning Post. If you have a powerful story to share, she’s all ears. Send press materials, event invites and any inquiries to yoyo.chow@tatlerasia.com.
